Article

To read the account of the expedition published by the Royal Institute of Navigation click here.

Aim

The aim was to undertake an intercontinental expedition that comprised the three key modes of travel: air, land and sea and to carry out pioneering research into travel.

Preparation & Planning

General

One of the major concerns was that the highly unusual entries and exits necessary from the Channel Islands would cause alarm with HM Customs and Excise or Special Branch who monitor activity in that area very closely for their different reasons. A 'To whom it may concern' fax was despatched to the above explaining the nature of the expedition and inviting anyone who wanted more information to contact Tristan. No phone call came.

The planning took six months from March 2004 and was broken down into the 4 stages.

Sea

A boat had to be found, a passage planned and the problem of a one-way charter solved. The first two were relatively straightforward, but we relied on the help of Peter Ellis at the British Offshore Sailing School for help with the third. He kindly volunteered to get one of his instructors to sail the boat back from Jersey to the Hamble for us at cost (he ended up deciding to bring the boat back himself).

Air

The route planning was the lengthiest planning of the four stages. Finding a suitable route past the Pyrenees and then down through Spain was harder than predicted. It was then necessary to check the details of the chosen airports to make sure that private civilian aircraft were welcome and on the days we wanted to fly in. The availability of fuel was a necessity and the maintenance facilities were desirable.

Land

A vehicle had to be ready to be picked at Tangier that was suitable for both 4x4 and motorway driving. Maps were sourced and routes planned for the driving and trekking sections.

Execution

The expedition was successful and went without a major hitch. To read the account that was published by the Royal Institute of Navigation click here.

Research

Research was carried out in 3 areas.

1) Crossing borders. The different procedures necessary for independent travellers to cross borders and an informal investigation into the processes involved. This included a comparison of entry and exit of the highly regulated Channel Islands by private transport with movement across borders within the Schengen countries.

2) Navigation. A look at the different navigational challenges involved in travelling by sea, air and two modes of land transport all as part of one journey.

3) Travel. The expedition is being used to contrast the experience and understanding that is derived from a navigated journey between two points with that which is more usually achieved as a passenger.

Training

Extra training was unnecessary as the team were already fully trained and qualified.

Conclusion

Research work continues and no firm conclusions have yet been reached. It is about the journey not the arriving after all.

Contact

For more information contact tristangooley@hotmail.com

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